Sunday, March 10, 2013
New Blog Location
This blog is no longer being updated. Check out floridawritersassociationmanatee.com for up to date information.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Update The Village Bookshop
TVB’s poets&writers group meets at the VOA residence community room off 68th Ave W every Thurs at 7p. To reach Doug for the address and more information call 720-2775.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Update October 2009
Florida Writers Association Manatee meets four times monthly for critiques, and impromptu workshops (when the need arises). The sessions are held at Village Voices, 1010 10 Ave West, Bradenton on the first and third Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm and the first and third Saturdays at 4 pm. Writers are encouraged to bring at least five copies of up to ten pages of their work. We cover fiction and nonfiction, articles, essays, and novels. Please call Dona Lee for more information. 748-6865
We have also started a group for young adult writers. They meet the second Saturday of every month at 4 p.m. at Village Voices and are open to writers under 21.
This group is a branch of the Florida Writers Association, which has over 900 paid members and over two thousand affiliated members. There is also a group in Sarasota.
Florida Writers Association Sarasota meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month at 6 pm at the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, located at the corner of US41 and Pavonia Road. Pavonia Road is the street that has the flashing emergency lights on US 41 south of Matthews-Currie Ford. Pavonia is about a quarter mile south of Albee Road.
For more information contact: Susan Haley at shaley1112@verizon.net. They generally have a theme to the meetings and discuss subjects of interest to writers.
Sarasota Fiction Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month (except December) at the Selby Library from 6:30 - 8 pm. They have a speaker who discusses different aspects of the writing career with the emphasis on fiction. On the third Wednesday of every month they host an open fiction critique held at Books-A-Million Gulfgate 7pm - 9pm. You may bring ten to twelve copies of up to ten pages of your fiction for a critique.
Fiction Writers Forum meets the second Thursday of each month at Books-A-Million and the fourth Thursday at Barnes and Noble. The purpose of the meetings is to critique fiction. If you wish to read your work, please bring ten to twelve copies of up to ten pages double-spaced of your work. For more information call: Bill Carrigan 957-3966.
The format at these meetings is typical of most critiques. You read your work and the round table edits your copy as you read. Doesn't catch everything, but it does give you an idea of what works and what doesn't. These critique groups are also an excellent learning experience. As you help correct your fellow writers mistakes, you learn what not to do in your own work. And the writer only takes what he wishes from the group.
The Village Bookshop Poets & Writers Group
1006 11th Ave West Bradenton, FL 34205 Phone: 750-9141 Meets every Thursday, except the Thursday before the first Friday. Please call to verify place and time as Doug has been in the process of relocating the group.
Gulf Coast Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Anna Maria Library at 1:15 pm. They generally have a speaker and do a few critiques. For more information please contact Nancy Colcord 778-7631.
The Writer’s Circle meets once a month at the Fruitville Library on Saturdays from 9:30 until 12:30. The Writers Circle has a creative writing exercise workshop the first hour and a half followed by a speaker’s presentation on a subject of interest to writers. If time allows they may allow a very short critique of a member’s material (never more than three pages). They also have quarterly members-only critique groups that are in depth and limited to committed participants. For more information please contact Linda at 366-7583 or visit their website at http://srqwriterscircle.com
Sarasota Authors Connection meets once a month on the seconf Monday at the Fruitville Library at 6:30 p.m. The Sarasota Authors Connection is for local writers who have completed their manuscript and are now interested in looking at different ways of having their book published. They also discuss and have speakers on marketing strategies for their books once published. In addition, their fearless leader is also the host of a weekly radio broadcast featuring local writers. For more information please contact Susan Klaus 322-1867.
Writers Workshop meets every Monday from 2pm – 4pm at MCC, Manatee Community College, Science Bldg 25, Room 139, 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL. These workshops are for anyone interested in writing, whether beginner or published, novels, screenplays, poetry, or essays. For more information please contact John Garzone at 753-8680.
Screen Writers Circle meets 6 pm on the second Wednesday of every month at Barnes and Noble, 4010 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The facilitator is Lori Stoner of the Sarasota Film Festival, 364-9514.
Peace River Center for Writers at Edison College’s Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda, Florida. www.peaceriverwriters.org. For more information please contact Dawn at 637-3514
For an up to date compilation of resources available to Pinellas and Hillsborough writers, please visit: http://www.marylouihess.com/enews.html.
We have also started a group for young adult writers. They meet the second Saturday of every month at 4 p.m. at Village Voices and are open to writers under 21.
This group is a branch of the Florida Writers Association, which has over 900 paid members and over two thousand affiliated members. There is also a group in Sarasota.
Florida Writers Association Sarasota meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month at 6 pm at the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, located at the corner of US41 and Pavonia Road. Pavonia Road is the street that has the flashing emergency lights on US 41 south of Matthews-Currie Ford. Pavonia is about a quarter mile south of Albee Road.
For more information contact: Susan Haley at shaley1112@verizon.net. They generally have a theme to the meetings and discuss subjects of interest to writers.
Sarasota Fiction Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month (except December) at the Selby Library from 6:30 - 8 pm. They have a speaker who discusses different aspects of the writing career with the emphasis on fiction. On the third Wednesday of every month they host an open fiction critique held at Books-A-Million Gulfgate 7pm - 9pm. You may bring ten to twelve copies of up to ten pages of your fiction for a critique.
Fiction Writers Forum meets the second Thursday of each month at Books-A-Million and the fourth Thursday at Barnes and Noble. The purpose of the meetings is to critique fiction. If you wish to read your work, please bring ten to twelve copies of up to ten pages double-spaced of your work. For more information call: Bill Carrigan 957-3966.
The format at these meetings is typical of most critiques. You read your work and the round table edits your copy as you read. Doesn't catch everything, but it does give you an idea of what works and what doesn't. These critique groups are also an excellent learning experience. As you help correct your fellow writers mistakes, you learn what not to do in your own work. And the writer only takes what he wishes from the group.
The Village Bookshop Poets & Writers Group
1006 11th Ave West Bradenton, FL 34205 Phone: 750-9141 Meets every Thursday, except the Thursday before the first Friday. Please call to verify place and time as Doug has been in the process of relocating the group.
Gulf Coast Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Anna Maria Library at 1:15 pm. They generally have a speaker and do a few critiques. For more information please contact Nancy Colcord 778-7631.
The Writer’s Circle meets once a month at the Fruitville Library on Saturdays from 9:30 until 12:30. The Writers Circle has a creative writing exercise workshop the first hour and a half followed by a speaker’s presentation on a subject of interest to writers. If time allows they may allow a very short critique of a member’s material (never more than three pages). They also have quarterly members-only critique groups that are in depth and limited to committed participants. For more information please contact Linda at 366-7583 or visit their website at http://srqwriterscircle.com
Sarasota Authors Connection meets once a month on the seconf Monday at the Fruitville Library at 6:30 p.m. The Sarasota Authors Connection is for local writers who have completed their manuscript and are now interested in looking at different ways of having their book published. They also discuss and have speakers on marketing strategies for their books once published. In addition, their fearless leader is also the host of a weekly radio broadcast featuring local writers. For more information please contact Susan Klaus 322-1867.
Writers Workshop meets every Monday from 2pm – 4pm at MCC, Manatee Community College, Science Bldg 25, Room 139, 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL. These workshops are for anyone interested in writing, whether beginner or published, novels, screenplays, poetry, or essays. For more information please contact John Garzone at 753-8680.
Screen Writers Circle meets 6 pm on the second Wednesday of every month at Barnes and Noble, 4010 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The facilitator is Lori Stoner of the Sarasota Film Festival, 364-9514.
Peace River Center for Writers at Edison College’s Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda, Florida. www.peaceriverwriters.org. For more information please contact Dawn at 637-3514
For an up to date compilation of resources available to Pinellas and Hillsborough writers, please visit: http://www.marylouihess.com/enews.html.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Updated March 2009
March 2009 update
Florida Writers Association Manatee meets four times monthly for critiques, and impromptu workshops (when the need arises). The sessions are held at Village Voices, 1010 10 Ave West, Bradenton on the first and third Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm and the first and third Saturdays at 4 pm. Writers are encouraged to bring at least five copies of up to ten pages of their work. We cover fiction and nonfiction, articles, essays, and novels. Please call Dona Lee for more information. 748-6865
We have also started a group for young adult writers. They meet the second Saturday of every month at 4 p.m. at Village Voices and are open to writers under 21.
This group is a branch of the Florida Writers Association, which has over 800 paid members and over two thousand affiliated members. There is also a group in Sarasota.
Florida Writers Association Sarasota meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6 pm at the Gulf Gate Library on the corner of Gulf Gate Drive and Curtiss Avenue. One block west of Beneva. For more information contact: Susan Haley at shaley1112@verizon.net. They generally have a theme to the meetings and discuss subjects of interest to writers.
Sarasota Fiction Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month (except December) at the Selby Library from 6:30 - 8 pm. They have a speaker who discusses different aspects of the writing career with the emphasis on fiction. On the third Wednesday of every month they host an open fiction critique held at Books-A-Million Gulfgate 7pm - 9pm. You may bring ten to twelve copies of up to ten pages of your fiction for a critique.
Fiction Writers Forum meets the second Thursday of each month at Books-A-Million and the fourth Thursday at Barnes and Noble. The purpose of the meetings is to critique fiction. If you wish to read your work, please bring ten to twelve copies of up to ten pages double-spaced of your work. For more information call: Bill Carrigan 957-3966.
The format at these meetings is typical of most critiques. You read your work and the round table edits your copy as you read. Doesn't catch everything, but it does give you an idea of what works and what doesn't. These critique groups are also an excellent learning experience. As you help correct your fellow writers mistakes, you learn what not to do in your own work. And the writer only takes what he wishes from the group.
The Village Bookshop Poets & Writers Group
1006 11th Ave West Bradenton, FL 34205 Phone: 750-9141 Meets every Thursday, except the Thursday before the first Friday.
Gulf Coast Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Anna Maria Library at 1:15 pm. They generally have a speaker and do a few critiques. For more information please contact Nancy Colcord 778-7631.
The Writer’s Circle meets once a month at the Fruitville Library on Saturdays from 9:30 until 12:30. The meetings are as follows: October 18, 2008, November 15, 2008, and December 6, 2008. The Writers Circle has a creative writing exercise workshop the first hour and a half followed by a speaker’s presentation on a subject of interest to writers. If time allows they may allow a very short critique of a member’s material (never more than three pages). They also have quarterly members-only critique groups that are in depth and limited to committed participants. For more information please contact Linda at 366-7583 or visit their website at http://srqwriterscircle.com
Sarasota Authors Connection meets once a month on the first Monday at the Fruitville Library at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker for October 2008 is Kim Cool, editor of Venice Gondolier, and author of ghost stories and local histories. Her newest book is Ghost Stories of Venice Old & New. The next meeting will be Monday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. The Sarasota Authors Connection is for local writers who have completed their manuscript and are now interested in looking at different ways of having their book published. They also discuss and have speakers on marketing strategies for their books once published. In addition, their fearless leader is also the host of a weekly radio broadcast featuring local writers. For more information please contact Susan Klaus 322-1867.
Writers Workshop meets every Monday from 2pm – 4pm at MCC, Manatee Community College, Science Bldg 25, Room 139, 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL. These workshops are for anyone interested in writing¾ whether beginner or published, novels, screenplays, poetry, or essays. For more information please contact John Garzone at 753-8680.
Screen Writers Circle meets 6 pm on the second Wednesday of every month at Barnes and Noble, 4010 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The facilitator is Lori Stoner of the Sarasota Film Festival, 364-9514.
Peace River Center for Writers at Edison College’s Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda, Florida. www.peaceriverwriters.org. For more information please contact Dawn at 637-3514
Florida Writers Association Manatee meets four times monthly for critiques, and impromptu workshops (when the need arises). The sessions are held at Village Voices, 1010 10 Ave West, Bradenton on the first and third Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm and the first and third Saturdays at 4 pm. Writers are encouraged to bring at least five copies of up to ten pages of their work. We cover fiction and nonfiction, articles, essays, and novels. Please call Dona Lee for more information. 748-6865
We have also started a group for young adult writers. They meet the second Saturday of every month at 4 p.m. at Village Voices and are open to writers under 21.
This group is a branch of the Florida Writers Association, which has over 800 paid members and over two thousand affiliated members. There is also a group in Sarasota.
Florida Writers Association Sarasota meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6 pm at the Gulf Gate Library on the corner of Gulf Gate Drive and Curtiss Avenue. One block west of Beneva. For more information contact: Susan Haley at shaley1112@verizon.net. They generally have a theme to the meetings and discuss subjects of interest to writers.
Sarasota Fiction Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month (except December) at the Selby Library from 6:30 - 8 pm. They have a speaker who discusses different aspects of the writing career with the emphasis on fiction. On the third Wednesday of every month they host an open fiction critique held at Books-A-Million Gulfgate 7pm - 9pm. You may bring ten to twelve copies of up to ten pages of your fiction for a critique.
Fiction Writers Forum meets the second Thursday of each month at Books-A-Million and the fourth Thursday at Barnes and Noble. The purpose of the meetings is to critique fiction. If you wish to read your work, please bring ten to twelve copies of up to ten pages double-spaced of your work. For more information call: Bill Carrigan 957-3966.
The format at these meetings is typical of most critiques. You read your work and the round table edits your copy as you read. Doesn't catch everything, but it does give you an idea of what works and what doesn't. These critique groups are also an excellent learning experience. As you help correct your fellow writers mistakes, you learn what not to do in your own work. And the writer only takes what he wishes from the group.
The Village Bookshop Poets & Writers Group
1006 11th Ave West Bradenton, FL 34205 Phone: 750-9141 Meets every Thursday, except the Thursday before the first Friday.
Gulf Coast Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Anna Maria Library at 1:15 pm. They generally have a speaker and do a few critiques. For more information please contact Nancy Colcord 778-7631.
The Writer’s Circle meets once a month at the Fruitville Library on Saturdays from 9:30 until 12:30. The meetings are as follows: October 18, 2008, November 15, 2008, and December 6, 2008. The Writers Circle has a creative writing exercise workshop the first hour and a half followed by a speaker’s presentation on a subject of interest to writers. If time allows they may allow a very short critique of a member’s material (never more than three pages). They also have quarterly members-only critique groups that are in depth and limited to committed participants. For more information please contact Linda at 366-7583 or visit their website at http://srqwriterscircle.com
Sarasota Authors Connection meets once a month on the first Monday at the Fruitville Library at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker for October 2008 is Kim Cool, editor of Venice Gondolier, and author of ghost stories and local histories. Her newest book is Ghost Stories of Venice Old & New. The next meeting will be Monday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. The Sarasota Authors Connection is for local writers who have completed their manuscript and are now interested in looking at different ways of having their book published. They also discuss and have speakers on marketing strategies for their books once published. In addition, their fearless leader is also the host of a weekly radio broadcast featuring local writers. For more information please contact Susan Klaus 322-1867.
Writers Workshop meets every Monday from 2pm – 4pm at MCC, Manatee Community College, Science Bldg 25, Room 139, 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL. These workshops are for anyone interested in writing¾ whether beginner or published, novels, screenplays, poetry, or essays. For more information please contact John Garzone at 753-8680.
Screen Writers Circle meets 6 pm on the second Wednesday of every month at Barnes and Noble, 4010 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The facilitator is Lori Stoner of the Sarasota Film Festival, 364-9514.
Peace River Center for Writers at Edison College’s Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda, Florida. www.peaceriverwriters.org. For more information please contact Dawn at 637-3514
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
link for Pinellas and Hillsborough Writers
For an up to date compilation of resources available to Pinellas and Hillsborough writers, please visit: http://www.marylouihess.com/enews.html.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
New Young Writers of Manatee Florida Writers Association
Florida Writers Association is pleased to announce the formation of a Young Writers group for Manatee and Sarasota Counties. The group is open to all writers under 19 and will meet once a month at Village Voices, 1010 10th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL. Our first meeting will be November 8. We will discuss overcoming different writing problems and critique each others work. The group will be hosted by a young writer, Analia Musitano. The monthly meeting will take place on the second Saturday of each month at 4 PM. Please bring six copies of up to five pages of your work, typed 12 font, double spaced. We are looking forward to meeting our local aspiring young authors. For more information call 748-6865.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
And so we begin
Hello, fellow writers.
I am Dona Lee, aspiring author. I have been writing all my life, but have only made it the focus of my life for the last three years. I have completed two novels, and I'm in the process of writing two others, as well as a nonfiction on our local homeless population.
In the pursuit of publication I have learned many things which I wish to share with my fellow writers. Those of you who have something constructive to share, please feel free to chime in with the additional information. As I learn how to set up additional links to this site I hope it will become more and more useful to local writers.
I will start with my belief in the writers Hippocratic oath: "First, be clear." You, as the writer might know exactly what you meant to convey. Your wife, son, or friend might understand it because they know the scene in your mind that you based the thought on, but the reader who picks up your writing across the country or across the oceans, won't have you there to explain it. So your words must be clear and say EXACTLY what you wanted to convey.
My second purpose with this blog is to keep a current record of local writers resources available for you, our local writer.
I will start with writing groups:
Florida Writers Association Manatee meets four times monthly for critiques, and impromptu workshops (when the need arises). The sessions are held at Village Voices, 1010 10 Ave West, Bradenton on the first and third Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm and the first and third Saturdays at 4 pm. October's schedule is October 2nd and October 16th at 6:30, and October 4 and October 18th at 4 pm. Writers are encouraged to bring at least five copies of up to ten pages of their work. We cover fiction and nonfiction, articles, essays, and novels. Please call Dona Lee for more information. 748-6865
We will also be starting a group for young adult writers scheduled to meet once a month for writers under 21. Dates will be announced shortly.
This group is a branch of the Florida Writers Association which has over 800 paid members and probably two thousand affiliated members. There is also a group in Sarasota.
Florida Writers Association Sarasota meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6 pm at the Gulf Gate Library on the corner of Gulf Gate Drive and Curtiss Avenue. One block west of Beneva. For more information contact: Susan Haley at shaley1112@verizon.net. They generally have a theme to the meetings and discuss subjects of interest to writers.
Sarasota Fiction Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month (except December) at the Selby Library from 6:30 - 8 pm. We have a speaker who discusses different aspects of the writing career with the emphasis on fiction. The speaker for October 2008 is James Abraham who will be speaking about marketing your book, before, during, and after publication. Mr. Abraham has worked for the Sarasota Herald Tribune and the Charlotte Sun. On the third Wednesday of every month there is an open fiction critique held at Books-A-Million Gulfgate 7pm - 9pm.
Fiction Writers Forum meets the second Thursday of each month at Books-A-Million and the fourth Thursday at Barnes and Noble. The purpose of the meetings is to critique fiction. If you wish to read your work, please bring ten to twelve copies of up to ten pages double spaced of your work. For more information call: Bill Carrigan 957-3966.
The format at these meetings is typical of most critiques. You read your work and the round table edits your copy as you read. Doesn't catch everything, but it does give you an idea of what works and what doesn't. These critique groups are also an excellent learning experience. As you help correct your fellow writers mistakes, you learn what not to do in your own work. And the writer only takes what he wishes from the group.
Gulf Coast Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Anna Maria Library at 1:15 pm. They generally have a speaker and do a few critiques. For more information please contact Nancy Colcord 778-7631.
The Writer’s Circle meets once a month at the Fruitville Library on Saturdays from 9:30 until 12:30. The meetings are as follows: October 18, 2008, November 15, 2008, and December 6, 2008. The Writers Circle has a creative writing exercise workshop the first hour and a half followed by a speaker’s presentation on a subject of interest to writers. If time allows they may allow a very short critique of a member’s material (never more than three pages). They also have quarterly members-only critique groups that are in depth and limited to committed participants. For more information please contact Linda at 366-7583 or visit their website at http://srqwriterscircle.com
Sarasota Authors Connection meets once a month on the first Monday at the Fruitville Library at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker for October 2008 is Kim Cool, editor of Venice Gondolier, and author of ghost stories and local histories. Her newest book is Ghost Stories of Venice Old & New. The next meeting will be Monday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. The Sarasota Authors Connection is for local writers who have completed their manuscript and are now interested in looking at different ways of having their book published. They also discuss and have speakers on marketing strategies for their books once published. In addition, their fearless leader is also the host of a weekly radio broadcast featuring local writers. For more information please contact Susan Klaus 322-1867.
Writers Workshop meets every Monday from 2pm – 4pm at MCC, Manatee Community College, Science Bldg 25, Room 139, 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL. These workshops are for anyone interested in writing¾ whether beginner or published, novels, screenplays, poetry, or essays. For more information please contact John Garzone at 753-8680.
Screen Writers Circle meets 6 pm on the second Wednesday of every month at Barnes and Noble, 4010 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The facilitator is Lori Stoner of the Sarasota Film Festival, 364-9514.
Peace River Center for Writers at Edison College’s Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda, Florida. www.peaceriverwriters.org. For more information please contact Dawn at 637-3514
October Workshops
Saturday, October 4, from 10 to Noon
From Concept to Sell Through You have a great idea for a book, whether fiction or non-fiction. Now, how do you move forward on the project? How do you organize your material? How do you keep the inspiration going? And, when the manuscript is finished, how do you get the book to market? Join award-winning, multi-book author Charles Sobczak who has developed sure-fire techniques for every step of the writing-to-selling process. This workshop is sure to send you to your computer with renewed enthusiasm for your writing career.
Saturday, October 4, 11, 18, 25, and November 1, from 10 to Noon
Write Your Memories
During this consistently popular FIVE WEEK workshop, participants will record their one-of-a-kind life memories for themselves and as a family legacy. Using a series of proven memory-stimulating techniques, presenter Joyce Schenk will move from early childhood through school years, marriage, work experiences and beyond. Throughout the sessions, participants will learn how to craft their words into informative and entertaining pieces suitable for marketing, if they choose.
Friday, October 10, from 1 to 3 pm
Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror: The Short Story
Under the expert leadership of Sci-Fi author and Edison faculty member John Pelot, this workshop will focus on taking the traditional elements of a short story and adapting them to this popular genre. The session will include a discussion of short story topics that are overused and how to produce fresh ideas in a well-written, though much shorter vehicle than the novel form. This is the second in the Center’s Sci-Fi series.
Friday, October 17, from 1 to 3 pm
The Art of the Rewrite
It’s been said the most important part of writing is re-writing. But, how do you tackle this vital, yet often confusing and difficult step in the process? Let magazine and newspaper columnist Sandy Price guide you through the rewriting maze. In this session, she will share proven methods you can use to improve any piece of writing to add the final polish. The results are sure to please your editor and satisfy your reader.
Saturday, October 18, from 10 to Noon
Getting a Start in Photojournalism Professional photojournalist Malcolm Brenner is the ideal guide to introduce you to this exciting combination field of writing and photography. With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to illustrate your writing with excellent photographs. And, if photography is your strength, you’ll learn how to add your writing talents to make a package editors will be eager to buy. Longtime contributor to such publications as Harbor Style, Malcolm will share the tricks of the trade that will help you succeed in this fascinating specialty.
Saturday, October 18, from 10 to Noon
How to Write Winning Press Releases Every organization, business and cause has a message that needs to be spread. But, putting together an attention-getting press release requires more than simply stringing words together. Join editor, writer, photographer and writing instructor Tami Patzer to get an inside look at how newspapers and others handle such submissions. Learn how to give your information the kind of power and polish that will gain the greatest attention in the media and spread the word of your special project, program or event.
Saturday, October 25, from 9 to Noon
Making Your Own Books Books last for generations. There is a great satisfaction in creating a book of your own, no matter what the focus. This three-hour workshop will show you how, with limited computer expertise and basic programs, you can create, print and publish your own book. Presenter Paul Holmes, who has created such a keepsake book for his own grandchildren, will also introduce you to how easily your book can be converted into a DVD. What better Christmas gift could you give your loved ones than this one-of-a-kind family legacy?
*******************
Workshop fees: For members, $10/workshop hour. For non-members, $20/workshop hour – or, join the Center for an annual membership of $35 and pay the member’s workshop fee.
Please note: registration for all workshops MUST be made no later than noon on the day before the event. A minimum of four participants is necessary for a workshop to be held. Please arrive 15 minutes early to facilitate the registration check out at the class. To register or for more information, call the Center office at 941-637-3514.
I am Dona Lee, aspiring author. I have been writing all my life, but have only made it the focus of my life for the last three years. I have completed two novels, and I'm in the process of writing two others, as well as a nonfiction on our local homeless population.
In the pursuit of publication I have learned many things which I wish to share with my fellow writers. Those of you who have something constructive to share, please feel free to chime in with the additional information. As I learn how to set up additional links to this site I hope it will become more and more useful to local writers.
I will start with my belief in the writers Hippocratic oath: "First, be clear." You, as the writer might know exactly what you meant to convey. Your wife, son, or friend might understand it because they know the scene in your mind that you based the thought on, but the reader who picks up your writing across the country or across the oceans, won't have you there to explain it. So your words must be clear and say EXACTLY what you wanted to convey.
My second purpose with this blog is to keep a current record of local writers resources available for you, our local writer.
I will start with writing groups:
Florida Writers Association Manatee meets four times monthly for critiques, and impromptu workshops (when the need arises). The sessions are held at Village Voices, 1010 10 Ave West, Bradenton on the first and third Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm and the first and third Saturdays at 4 pm. October's schedule is October 2nd and October 16th at 6:30, and October 4 and October 18th at 4 pm. Writers are encouraged to bring at least five copies of up to ten pages of their work. We cover fiction and nonfiction, articles, essays, and novels. Please call Dona Lee for more information. 748-6865
We will also be starting a group for young adult writers scheduled to meet once a month for writers under 21. Dates will be announced shortly.
This group is a branch of the Florida Writers Association which has over 800 paid members and probably two thousand affiliated members. There is also a group in Sarasota.
Florida Writers Association Sarasota meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6 pm at the Gulf Gate Library on the corner of Gulf Gate Drive and Curtiss Avenue. One block west of Beneva. For more information contact: Susan Haley at shaley1112@verizon.net. They generally have a theme to the meetings and discuss subjects of interest to writers.
Sarasota Fiction Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month (except December) at the Selby Library from 6:30 - 8 pm. We have a speaker who discusses different aspects of the writing career with the emphasis on fiction. The speaker for October 2008 is James Abraham who will be speaking about marketing your book, before, during, and after publication. Mr. Abraham has worked for the Sarasota Herald Tribune and the Charlotte Sun. On the third Wednesday of every month there is an open fiction critique held at Books-A-Million Gulfgate 7pm - 9pm.
Fiction Writers Forum meets the second Thursday of each month at Books-A-Million and the fourth Thursday at Barnes and Noble. The purpose of the meetings is to critique fiction. If you wish to read your work, please bring ten to twelve copies of up to ten pages double spaced of your work. For more information call: Bill Carrigan 957-3966.
The format at these meetings is typical of most critiques. You read your work and the round table edits your copy as you read. Doesn't catch everything, but it does give you an idea of what works and what doesn't. These critique groups are also an excellent learning experience. As you help correct your fellow writers mistakes, you learn what not to do in your own work. And the writer only takes what he wishes from the group.
Gulf Coast Writers meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Anna Maria Library at 1:15 pm. They generally have a speaker and do a few critiques. For more information please contact Nancy Colcord 778-7631.
The Writer’s Circle meets once a month at the Fruitville Library on Saturdays from 9:30 until 12:30. The meetings are as follows: October 18, 2008, November 15, 2008, and December 6, 2008. The Writers Circle has a creative writing exercise workshop the first hour and a half followed by a speaker’s presentation on a subject of interest to writers. If time allows they may allow a very short critique of a member’s material (never more than three pages). They also have quarterly members-only critique groups that are in depth and limited to committed participants. For more information please contact Linda at 366-7583 or visit their website at http://srqwriterscircle.com
Sarasota Authors Connection meets once a month on the first Monday at the Fruitville Library at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker for October 2008 is Kim Cool, editor of Venice Gondolier, and author of ghost stories and local histories. Her newest book is Ghost Stories of Venice Old & New. The next meeting will be Monday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. The Sarasota Authors Connection is for local writers who have completed their manuscript and are now interested in looking at different ways of having their book published. They also discuss and have speakers on marketing strategies for their books once published. In addition, their fearless leader is also the host of a weekly radio broadcast featuring local writers. For more information please contact Susan Klaus 322-1867.
Writers Workshop meets every Monday from 2pm – 4pm at MCC, Manatee Community College, Science Bldg 25, Room 139, 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL. These workshops are for anyone interested in writing¾ whether beginner or published, novels, screenplays, poetry, or essays. For more information please contact John Garzone at 753-8680.
Screen Writers Circle meets 6 pm on the second Wednesday of every month at Barnes and Noble, 4010 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The facilitator is Lori Stoner of the Sarasota Film Festival, 364-9514.
Peace River Center for Writers at Edison College’s Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda, Florida. www.peaceriverwriters.org. For more information please contact Dawn at 637-3514
October Workshops
Saturday, October 4, from 10 to Noon
From Concept to Sell Through You have a great idea for a book, whether fiction or non-fiction. Now, how do you move forward on the project? How do you organize your material? How do you keep the inspiration going? And, when the manuscript is finished, how do you get the book to market? Join award-winning, multi-book author Charles Sobczak who has developed sure-fire techniques for every step of the writing-to-selling process. This workshop is sure to send you to your computer with renewed enthusiasm for your writing career.
Saturday, October 4, 11, 18, 25, and November 1, from 10 to Noon
Write Your Memories
During this consistently popular FIVE WEEK workshop, participants will record their one-of-a-kind life memories for themselves and as a family legacy. Using a series of proven memory-stimulating techniques, presenter Joyce Schenk will move from early childhood through school years, marriage, work experiences and beyond. Throughout the sessions, participants will learn how to craft their words into informative and entertaining pieces suitable for marketing, if they choose.
Friday, October 10, from 1 to 3 pm
Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror: The Short Story
Under the expert leadership of Sci-Fi author and Edison faculty member John Pelot, this workshop will focus on taking the traditional elements of a short story and adapting them to this popular genre. The session will include a discussion of short story topics that are overused and how to produce fresh ideas in a well-written, though much shorter vehicle than the novel form. This is the second in the Center’s Sci-Fi series.
Friday, October 17, from 1 to 3 pm
The Art of the Rewrite
It’s been said the most important part of writing is re-writing. But, how do you tackle this vital, yet often confusing and difficult step in the process? Let magazine and newspaper columnist Sandy Price guide you through the rewriting maze. In this session, she will share proven methods you can use to improve any piece of writing to add the final polish. The results are sure to please your editor and satisfy your reader.
Saturday, October 18, from 10 to Noon
Getting a Start in Photojournalism Professional photojournalist Malcolm Brenner is the ideal guide to introduce you to this exciting combination field of writing and photography. With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to illustrate your writing with excellent photographs. And, if photography is your strength, you’ll learn how to add your writing talents to make a package editors will be eager to buy. Longtime contributor to such publications as Harbor Style, Malcolm will share the tricks of the trade that will help you succeed in this fascinating specialty.
Saturday, October 18, from 10 to Noon
How to Write Winning Press Releases Every organization, business and cause has a message that needs to be spread. But, putting together an attention-getting press release requires more than simply stringing words together. Join editor, writer, photographer and writing instructor Tami Patzer to get an inside look at how newspapers and others handle such submissions. Learn how to give your information the kind of power and polish that will gain the greatest attention in the media and spread the word of your special project, program or event.
Saturday, October 25, from 9 to Noon
Making Your Own Books Books last for generations. There is a great satisfaction in creating a book of your own, no matter what the focus. This three-hour workshop will show you how, with limited computer expertise and basic programs, you can create, print and publish your own book. Presenter Paul Holmes, who has created such a keepsake book for his own grandchildren, will also introduce you to how easily your book can be converted into a DVD. What better Christmas gift could you give your loved ones than this one-of-a-kind family legacy?
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Workshop fees: For members, $10/workshop hour. For non-members, $20/workshop hour – or, join the Center for an annual membership of $35 and pay the member’s workshop fee.
Please note: registration for all workshops MUST be made no later than noon on the day before the event. A minimum of four participants is necessary for a workshop to be held. Please arrive 15 minutes early to facilitate the registration check out at the class. To register or for more information, call the Center office at 941-637-3514.
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